Lessons Learned
May 9, 2019
So as’d promised I’m continuing my previous post about the most pivotal points I’ve experience in college!
This one is more day to day life rather than future and career! I’m talking friendships, roommates, fitness, and diet!
Let me just begin by saying college friendships are unlike any friendships you’ve had. New or old… these friendships are the foundation of your college memories and more than likely these will be your forever friends.
Three Lessons I learned about friendship in college…
Going the Distance… If your “before college” friends are moving far away.. yes it is terrible BUT technology and holidays will be your saving grace! {especially in the first few weeks… or years lol} It is hard to make new friends in in the beginning because.. well.. EVERYTHING is new and a bit overwhelming. Knowing that your friends are going through the same experience is comforting and having each other is so incredibly helpful! With the overwhelming newness.. also comes the exciting newness and who else is better to share the excitement with?
No New Friends? YES, New Friends! Sooo.. the answer to the first half of lesson number one… how to find those new friends in college?? I’ve learned the most important part about forming “forever friends” in college is finding people that have like interests and people that lift you up! Joining organizations on campus or doing the actives you enjoy will lead you towards the people that are similar to you. Find friends that enjoy your hobbies, friends that you can study with, and most importantly friends that encourage you!
Being a Forever Friend… Three words… encourage, be there, understand.
encourage… college is hard enough with all the newness we discussed.. your friends are your support system!! {because, let’s face it.. when you don’t have your mom to come home to everyday life gets hard} With that being said.. when you notice your friends looking down, just having a hard time, or if they are thriving… encourage. Encourage with words of encouragement, with complements, or just by doing the dishes! {if you’re lucky enough to have a bff roomie}
be there… we are all in this together! {insert high school musical music} So it really works best if we help each other out in any way we can! Do for your friends and let your friends do for you… why? because you need the help just as much as they do! If you forget your paper… let them bring it to you… if they have a migraine at work… bring them a coffee and dark chocolate.. if they are having a mental breakdown… be there for a Netflix and breakfast for dinner kind of night. Big, small… it doesn’t matter, just be there for anything your friends need and don’t be afraid to ask for help too!
and finally just be understanding.. understand that you both have stress, bad days, good days, accomplishments, failures, lows, and highs! Understand what your friends are going through and know how to help them through each season of these crazy years!
Do it for the HEALTH of it!
Despite what those around you are doing… trust me when I say you NEED to workout and eat a balanced diet starting the first week of college. It is so easy to skip the gym because you feel like you don’t have time, or grab the cookies because they are free!
Don’t get me wrong it is completely acceptable, if not mandatory, to #treatyourself sometimes! Just do your very best not make that Chickfila run a habit that surfaces three times a week. Yes, I know it is so convenient and everyone else is doing it! But your bank account will shrink and so will your pants :’) (the freshman 15 is a real thing)
You don’t have to pay for a gym membership, spend hours lifting weights, or running for miles. Do the things that make you happy and most importantly listen to your body. If you are active three times a week and have awesome energy… then do that! If you workout every day for two hours and have awesome energy… then do that! If you are feeling exhausted and can’t be bothered to exercise for a few days… then rest! Find a routine that works for you, your schedule, and your body… but stay motivated to move! If you get stuck in a rut find a group class (there are usually some offered that are free!) or grab a workout partner that will help keep you accountable.
As always, if you have any questions at all shoot me a comment below! OR if you want to hear about a specific topic like grocery lists, workouts, or anything in between send me a suggestion!
by courtney.
